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When LEDs Fail to Shine Bright
In 2010, Japan decided to replace energy-hogging incandescent bulbs in their traffic lights with energy-efficient LEDs. It seemed like a brilliant idea—LEDs last longer, consume less power, and are more cost-effective. But as winter approached, a serious problem emerged.
BREEFX ✨
October 02, 2024
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LEDs, unlike traditional bulbs, emit very little heat. This may sound great for the environment, but in snowy regions, the lack of warmth means the snow and ice accumulate on the traffic lights, making them nearly impossible to see.
As a result, many traffic signals became obscured during snowstorms. The consequences were immediate and severe—numerous traffic accidents occurred as drivers struggled to see the signals. Japan wasn’t alone in facing this problem. Cities like Green Bay, St. Paul, and Newark, which also adopted LED traffic lights, found themselves grappling with the same issue.
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Maintenance crews had to get creative. Green Bay used bucket lifts to scrape the snow off by hand. In St. Paul, air compressors blew away the snow. Meanwhile, in Newark, workers resorted to using Super Soakers filled with anti-freeze to melt the ice! These temporary solutions were labor-intensive and costly.
The LED upgrade, while saving energy, introduced new maintenance challenges. Winter storms now meant dispatching teams to manually clean each traffic light—something that was never needed with heat-emitting incandescent bulbs. What seemed like a step forward for efficiency suddenly had a hidden price.
It wasn’t just Japan dealing with this. Many cities around the world that embraced LED traffic lights found themselves facing similar issues. Some experimented with heated covers, while others explored new designs for snow-resistant signals. But a universally effective solution has yet to be found.
Until a perfect solution is found, it’s a reminder that even the best intentions can come with unexpected challenges. For now, drive safe and treat those snowy intersections with extra caution!
Stay tuned,
BREEFX ✨
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